bloke wrote:The most disturbing things that I find (both in my own observations and reports of others) is the seemingly intentional hurrying-through of assembly combined with such things as (reports of - re: o.p.'s website) patching defective piston ports with lead solder or epoxy (??), etc.
Rather than $2400, why not $3000 or $3500 - with everything put together correctly?
My sentiments exactly. This is the reason why I purchased a 1291 M & M clone for my own evaluation. I've pointed out a few things that I think should have been done better right from the factory at ANY price. These horns still have a long way to go to equal the European quality with regards to the quality of the materials and fit of the mechanical elements.
And... no TubaTodd... I would not even come close to considering buying an import container full of these horns and reselling them after attempting to make them work for me. All I've done is correct a few minor mechanical problems. There are still vast differences between the real thing and the clone. These differences can't be quantified or qualified with just a few words. You have to FEEL the differences.... and I'm not talking about simply playing characteristics. I wouldn't want my name on them.
I maintain that the horn I have in my hands right now is reasonably adequate for the price. It plays and performs to what I think would be OK for an amateur musician or a beginning/intermediate student. But, I seriously doubt if it would hold up to the rigors of being played on a daily basis by a professional.
Also... please understand that although I spent over 30 years as a manufacturing engineer and fully understand the concepts of manufacturing and quality control.... I am not a professional musician. My evaluation of a tuba is most likely quite different than those who make their living playing tuba such as a few on The Board who are artists or play with major symphonies.
, name draws attention to the Chinese clone aspect rather than how well the horn actually plays.
